Thai Boxing and Martial Arts in Thailand

Muay Thai is the very essence of Thailand. Steeped in the country's history, the first written documents describing the Muay Thai appeared in Chiang Mai around the 1400s.

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Thai boxing (or 'Muay Thai' as it is known locally) represents somewhat of an enigma. It is curious that such a brutal martial art should become the national sport of a Buddhist country famed for its peaceful, fun-loving people. The original Muay Thai exponents glued ground glass to their bound hands before fighting. Fortunately for modern martial artists, things have moved one. The modern sport has strict rules and regulations which are akin to more traditional forms of boxing. It is now a mature and sophisticated sport that very soon might find itself recognized at the Olympics. Muay Thai it is by no means the only martial art practiced in the kingdom. Tae Kwan Do is extremely popular, especially with the young. With the predominant Chinese influence in the country, Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan are also common, although Thai Boxing is by far the most common martial art in the country.

Thai boxing (or 'Muay Thai' as it is known locally) represents somewhat of an enigma. It is curious that such a brutal martial art should become the national sport of a Buddhist country famed for its peaceful, fun-loving people. The original Muay Thai exponents glued ground glass to their bound hands before fighting. Fortunately for modern martial artists, things have moved one. The modern sport has strict rules and regulations which are akin to more traditional forms of boxing. It is now a mature and sophisticated sport that very soon might find itself recognized at the Olympics. Muay Thai it is by no means the only martial art practiced in the kingdom. Tae Kwan Do is extremely popular, especially with the young. With the predominant Chinese influence in the country, Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan are also common, although Thai Boxing is by far the most common martial art in the country.

Thai boxing (or 'Muay Thai' as it is known locally) represents somewhat of an enigma. It is curious that such a brutal martial art should become the national sport of a Buddhist country famed for its peaceful, fun-loving people. The original Muay Thai exponents glued ground glass to their bound hands before fighting. Fortunately for modern martial artists, things have moved one. The modern sport has strict rules and regulations which are akin to more traditional forms of boxing. It is now a mature and sophisticated sport that very soon might find itself recognized at the Olympics. Muay Thai it is by no means the only martial art practiced in the kingdom. Tae Kwan Do is extremely popular, especially with the young. With the predominant Chinese influence in the country, Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan are also common, although Thai Boxing is by far the most common martial art in the country.